A book lover's paradise: the TSUTAYA BOOK APARTMENT in Shinjuku, Tokyo

Shinjuku is one of the most buzzing places in Tokyo. With several train lines, a bus terminal as well as plenty of shopping malls, it feels like Shinjuku never sleeps. No matter where you go, you will have to navigate your way through throngs of shoppers and tourists. So what do you do when you're tired of this frenzy?

Unwind at the TSUTAYA BOOK APARTMENT! Just a minute's walk from the east exit of JR Shinjuku Station, this store is on the 4th, 5th and 6th floor of Shinjuku MINIMU building. Let's see what all you can do at this unique store!

Play at the TSUTAYA BOOK APARTMENT!

A common area for men and women, the setup of the 5th floor is inspired by the idea of glamping. Each corner has been thought out well - an opportunity to take plenty of photos for Instagram. You can even play games like Jenga, cards, etc. and this will truly make you feel like you're out glamping.

If you're not into games, you can grab a book, lie down on the bean bags by the windows and enjoy the sights of Shinjuku from above.

The 6th floor is for women only. A staircase leads you to a tatami (mat) space which is ideal for catching up with your girlfriends.

The 6th floor has books on cooking, beauty as well as picture books; the 5th floor covers travel, hobbies, photography, manga. Since there are books covering a variety of genres, even if you don't understand Japanese, you are bound to find something that grabs your attention.

Do your work at the TSUTAYA BOOK APARTMENT!

Even though you're probably on a holiday in Tokyo, you might have to take care of some urgent business. If you're one of those who has to work on the move, check out the Co-Working space on the 4th floor.

How amazing are these desks by the window? Even if you don't have work, you can update your travel blog or post on social media or research about your next destination.

There is even a space for conducting meetings! Isn't this ideal for groups that visit Tokyo on business trips?

You can also find various goods like cushions to place on your lap to keep your book or laptop as you sit on the sofa. Once you realize how comfortable these are, you might actually want them for yourself. You can buy these goods at the 4th floor front desk.

Take a break at the TSUTAYA BOOK APARTMENT!

If you pay an additional 540 yen, you can use the individual spaces on the 5th and 6th floor. These individual spaces are surrounded by books: every bibliophile's dream! Not just that, to make sure you really feel at home, you can even rent room wear for 1,080 yen and spend time reading books till the wee hours of the morning.

Each room has a small table, mini-light, plug point as well as a cushion. If you feel cold, you could even borrow a blanket. Since the TSUTAYA BOOK APARTMENT is open 24 hours, you can totally relax, spend the night reading books on your own and catch the first train back home in the morning.

(Photo left: Shower room on the 5th floor; Photo right: Shampoo bar in the 6th floor shower room)

You can use the shower room available on the 5th floor (common space for men and women) as well as on the 6th floor (women-only space) for an additional cost of 540 yen. If you choose the 6-hour or 12-hour pack, then you get one complimentary shower! The shower room on the 6th floor (women-only space) also has a shampoo bar with a variety of five shampoos and conditioners.

There is also a powder room on the 6th floor in the women-only space which is equipped with facial cleansing foam, skin lotion, moisturizer. Various individually wrapped toiletries are also available, so you can feel refreshed after your shower.

Massage chairs and cute egg-shaped chairs are ideal to relax as your mind wanders through the streets of Tokyo and you reminisce about your journey in Japan.

Services available on all floors

TSUTAYA BOOK APARTMENT has Wi-Fi as well as power outlets on each floor. You can charge your tablets, phones and update posts on social media without worrying about running out of battery!

Each floor has a drink bar. The women-only space also has a variety of teas, we're sure you will be spoilt for choice. If you're feeling just a little hungry, then you can even have soup.

The staff is extremely friendly and if you're lucky, you might encounter one of the English-speaking staff.

You can also shop for drinks, sweets and stationery curated by Tsutaya. Room aromas that are used in the TSUTAYA BOOK APARTMENT and other original goods are also available for purchase. If you really like something, how about gifting to someone who loves bookstores?

The interiors change according to season, this is how the store looked in summer. Aren't you excited to see how it varies when you visit?

Some of you might wonder if it's ok to pick up books that are meant to be sold. You don't need to worry! Anyone can buy whichever book they like...so it feels like the TSUTAYA BOOK APARTMENT is a fusion of a library and a bookstore. If you plan to visit with your luggage, you can use the app Ecbo Cloak to store your luggage. Official website: Ecbo Cloak The basic concept of the TSUTAYA BOOK APARTMENT is to reflect "home" where you can play, work or rest. How about relaxing here after a hectic day of sightseeing in Tokyo and experience calm and quiet in the heart of Shinjuku?

Details

Official website: https://ikidane.jp/lp/tsutaya/ Usage Fee (As of September 2018; tax inclusive) 1 hour: 540 yen 6-hour pack (with one shower): 3,024 yen 12-hour pack (with one shower): 5,940 yen *To use the women-only and co-working floor, an additional cost of 108 yen *To use private rooms, an additional cost of 540 yen Address: 3-26-14 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan (3-min walk from East Exit of JR Shinjuku Station, 1-min walk from Exit A5 of Shinjuku-Sanchome Station) Open 24 hours a day